Cody Bellinger's timely hit backs Javier Assad as Cubs handle hot Tigers

[August 21, 2024]  Cody Bellinger ripped a two-run double and Javier Assad allowed one run over 5 2/3 innings, fueling the host Chicago Cubs to a 3-1 victory over the Detroit Tigers on Tuesday.
 
Dansby Swanson belted a solo homer in the sixth inning to help the Cubs record their third win in four games and spoil the return of Javier Baez to Wrigley Field. Baez, who went 0-for-4 with four strikeouts, spent parts of his first eight major league seasons with Chicago.  

Aug 20, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Javier Assad (72) pitches during the first inning against the Detroit Tigers at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-USA TODAY Sports

Spencer Torkelson totaled four hits and Dillon Dingler had an RBI single in the second inning for the Tigers, who lost for just the second time in their last eight games.

Chicago overcame a one-run deficit to seize a 2-1 lead in the fifth inning. Ian Happ worked a one-out walk off Bryan Sammons (0-1) and Michael Busch singled before both runners scored on Bellinger's double toward the right-field corner.

Swanson tacked on a run after depositing a 0-1 fastball from Sammons over the wall in left-center field. The homer was Swanson's 10th of the season and first since July 11.

Assad (6-3) picked up his first win since July 28 after scattering six hits and striking out seven batters.

Tyson Miller struck out Jace Jung with runners on the corners to end the sixth inning and retired the side in order in the seventh. Drew Smyly struck out three batters in the eighth inning and Porter Hodge worked around Torkelson's leadoff double to retire the side in the ninth and secure his second save of the season.

Sammons took the loss after permitting three runs on four hits in 4 1/3 innings of relief.

Detroit opened the scoring in the second inning. Torkelson singled to center off Assad, advanced to second on a single from Jung and came around to score on Dingler's hit to center field.

The Tigers threatened to add to their 1-0 lead after Dingler tripled to right field to lead off the fifth inning. Assad responded by striking out the next three batters to end the inning.

--Field Level Media

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